Fetish carvings, which are small stone representations of animals, are one of the most popular and easily collected forms of American Indian art. Fetishes have long been an integral feature of the traditional religious practices of Pueblo groups. Over the last sixty years the creation of fetishes has developed into an art form by many artisans, predominantly at the Zuni Pueblo. The depictions of animals range from very abstract representational forms to highly detailed lifelike sculptural works, ranging in size from miniatures that sit on the tip of a finger to pieces too large to fit in the hand. A wide variety of materials are used including varieties of jasper, marble and serpentine, as well as turquoise, malachite, flourite, alabaster and pipestone. Carvers also utilize materials other than stone including shell, coral, jet, ironwood, cottonwood, cedar, antler, bone, fossil ivory, and even glass! The array of animals is equally diverse. The traditional forms of the six directions which are: wolf (east), bear (west), mountain lion (north), badger (south), mole (underground), and eagle (sky), are most often represented. In addition to these commonly carved animals, artists are creating just about to include turtles, frogs, fish, horses, elephants, dinosaurs, buffalo, skunks, weasels, and just about everything else imaginable.

At The Indian Craft Shop there is always a wide selection of fetish carvings ranging from traditional subjects and styles to the most innovative of the modern pieces. The price range of fetish carvings is from under $10 to sometimes over $1000 dependent on the material, detail of carving, and the skill level and notability of the artist. Collecting fetish carvings is a rewarding experience as each figure takes on its own personality. If you are interested in particular artistsí work, or collect certain animals or stones, please contact the shop for our current selection. To learn more about fetishes, be sure to see the ìPublicationsî list for books available.